Recently I decided to take a road that I had never driven before. I drove from Alexandria on I-49 north to the State Highway 8 exit near Boyce, Louisiana. I was surprised that I did not see any churches, barns, homes, or other buildings on either side of the road. I did notice that there were several cemetery signs along the highway. There is a State Historical Marker at Comrade Baptist Church (see photo). The marker reads: Sabine Association was organized in October 14, 1865. One of nine churches to petition for Letter of Dismission Oct. 16, 1865 to organize the Vernon Baptist Association. Signing was Elder J. E. Melton June 14, 1874 called B. O. Owens to ordained ministry, Elder N. H. Bray and A. P. Bebee as Presbytery. Vernon Baptist Association met with Comrade for 3rd annual session Oct. 10-12, 1874. Elder Obanion’s introductory sermon from Luke 19:10 10th session 1881. Comrade church was dissolved in 1887, but became active again by 1909. VMBA met with Comrade for 42nd session 1913. The 1st church near the church cemetery burned in a woods fire. A second church was built in 1924 with seating for 300. A brick church was built in 1959. Of the 9 churches that began in Vernon Parish only Comrade and two other churches that are still alive and active.
